“Volunteering is a gift given with a heart of service to make a difference,” Susie Jeter wisely says.
Susie has filled many roles during her 48 years with Bon Secours St. Francis. As of today, she serves as volunteer coordinator and has been in this role for 11 years. She was inspired to pursue this role by her friend and coworker, Lori Center, who was the director of community ministries at the time.
What Susie enjoys most about being a volunteer coordinator is “meeting the most amazing people who love this ministry!”
She continues, “Whether working behind the scenes or interacting with patients, families and staff, volunteers are an invaluable part of our level of compassionate care. Every volunteer is dedicated to helping others and generously giving of their time and talents while sharing a commitment to be ‘good help to those in need.’”
Susie shares a memory that reinforced her passion for her role as a volunteer coordinator.
“Our pet therapy volunteers make visits to all three of our campuses,” she says. “There are so many stories of what a blessing they have been to patients. For one particular story, on a visit to the cancer center, there was a gentleman sitting in a wheelchair in the lobby waiting to be registered. One of the therapy dogs, Roxie, walked over to the man and put her head on his knee. The man slowly petted Roxie and said, ‘Oh Roxie, you make me forget how sick I am.’”
Susie adds, “This is just one of many stories the volunteers have shared. How can you not feel the passion to be a part of something so incredible and be reminded where we are and the patients we serve? In my role, I have the wonderful opportunity to be part of that every day, and I am so proud of our volunteers. I love what I do!”
Outside of work, Susie is passionate about her church and her family. This passion is something she sees in the day to day with our ministry.
“We are a faith-based ministry, and I can pray with another employee who has a need,” Susie explains. “We have prayer ministry volunteers who round with our patients and staff and pray with them. At our staff meetings, we ask if there are prayer requests then we have a time of prayer. We also open our meetings with a prayer or devotion.”
Susie encourages those looking to volunteer to “come and be a part of the St. Francis family!”
She adds, “We would love to have you be part of our ministry. We are appreciative of however much time you can give. Our volunteers feel like they receive more of a gift than they give!”
Thank you, Susie, for sharing with us your passion for our volunteers and the impact they make every day!
Read more stories celebrating our team members during Women’s History Month.
Do you live in the Greenville, SC area? If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer, visit BonSecours.com to apply today!
